The Only Moving Checklist You'll Ever Need
*Content includes branded mentions of our sponsor Lemonade."
Whether you're moving across town, the country or the world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed considering the million things you need to remember. But take heart. From finding a new place to live to setting up your renters insurance, this moving checklist will help keep you on the right track. Follow this step-by-step guide for a move that's as stress-free as possible.
1. Find And Secure Your New Home
You can search for a place online using sites like Zillow and Trulia, or use a real estate agent. Agents are beneficial in competitive markets and can help you avoid scams. Additionally, if you're moving to an unfamiliar area you may want to consider working with an agent. You'll have to pay a commission, but you'll get peace of mind in return.
First Month's Rent And Deposit
If you are moving into a rental property your lease will specify how much you need to pay upfront. For example, some landlords ask for the first month's and last month's rent in addition to a security deposit. Others only ask for the first month and security deposit.
Renters Insurance
Don't assume you'll be okay without renters insurance to protect your belongings. Your landlord is responsible for paying for any repairs to the unit or damage to the structure, but that's generally it.
A landlord typically won't replace your belongings in the event of a break-in, or pay for your living expenses if you need to move out during repairs. Renters insurance covers both situations and is a good idea to consider before your move.
Be sure to educate yourself on the different kinds of coverage — personal property covers your belongings, liability covers repairs to other people's property or medical bills if there is an incident which is deemed your fault, and living expenses covers costs like housing if you need to relocate for some reason.
Some renters insurance, like Lemonade, will also cover your belongings during the move (if you are doing the moving yourself, without a third-party moving company). Lemonade is a fast and easy option, particularly if you are switching from another carrier. Sign-up, claim filing, and policy adjustments all occur on the company's app. Policies start at just $5/month. That's not a lot considering the additional peace of mind you'll get when going through the difficult moving process—and after you've moved into your new pad.
Utilities
Firstly, check your lease or consult with your new landlord to find out what utilities are included, if any. Landlords typically will take care of water, sewage and garbage. Most landlords require tenants to set up and pay for their own electricity and heat, though.
Find out what type of heat your apartment has — for example, gas or electric — and what companies offer those services. Depending on where you live, you might also have a choice in your electricity provider. Finally, remember to set up any optional utilities like cable or internet.
2. Let Your Current Landlord Know You're Moving
Notifying your landlord is straightforward if your lease is about to end or you rent month-to-month. If that's the case, send a written notice that includes the following:
- The date you plan to move out
- Your address, including apartment number if relevant
- A forwarding address for your security deposit
- Contact information so they can reach you with any questions
Be sure to provide enough notice according to your lease terms and/or the law in your area.
If you have to leave before your lease ends, ask the landlord if they'll agree to let you out early. They might say yes, especially if you live in a thriving rental market and they can find another tenant quickly. Some might even use your departure as an excuse to make repairs and get more money for the unit.
However, there might be fees for breaking your lease, and landlords can hold you responsible for the remaining rent if you move out early. However, most states require reasonable steps to find a new tenant.
3. Have A Garage Sale To Earn Money While Decluttering
Everything you get rid of is something you don't have to move. Plus, if you declutter before you move, you can start in your new home with less stuff — something scientists say can improve your mental health.
A Civic Science survey recently asked people with very, somewhat, or not at all cluttered spaces how stressed they felt.
More than 70% of people with a very cluttered space felt somewhat or very stressed, compared to 57% who had a somewhat cluttered space. On the other hand, only 14% of those with a non-cluttered space felt very stressed.
For your own sake, add "get rid of things" to your moving out checklist. A garage sale is a fun way to eliminate unnecessary items while making money to help supplement the move.
4. Start The Packing Process
A common rule of thumb is to take one day to pack each room, but that can vary depending on how much you own.
Use the day-a-room guideline to estimate how long it will take, and add an extra day for large rooms and those with more items. For example, your kitchen will probably take longer to pack than a small bathroom.
Look at the number of days you've estimated and schedule that many packing days. Then, split them up if necessary. If sufficient packing time is in your plan, you're less likely to fall behind and have to pull all-nighters before the moving van arrives.
Get some packing supplies — boxes are sometimes available for free at grocery and clothing stores, or you can buy them from the moving company or a storage facility — then get started. Be sure to label each box with its contents and where it goes. You might also want to keep a running inventory to find essential items later.
5. Choose A Moving Method
Deciding how you want to move depends on two main factors: your budget and how much labor you are willing to do yourself.
Professional Movers
Hiring full-service movers is the most expensive option, but also the least stressful. Some moving companies offer packing services in case you want to outsource that step as well.
The total cost will depend on the following:
- Amount and weight of items to be moved
- Where you live
- How far you move
- When you move
- Complexity of the move
There may be a surcharge if either unit is difficult to access — for example, if you're moving to or from a fourth-floor walk-up. Some movers also charge extra for heavy or bulky items.
The time of year might also be a factor. According to HomeAdvisor, moving companies charge more on weekends, in the summer, and at the beginning and end of the month as demands for their services are higher during these times. Always get quotes from multiple movers to set a price baseline for your area and get the most competitive offer. Be sure to check each company's reviews and ensure they are fully licensed and insured.
Portable Storage Containers
Portable storage containers are storage units a company delivers to your home. You load your household items into them yourself. The company then places the filled units onto a truck and they are transported to your new home or a storage facility. Storage containers usually cost $180-$300 but can be more or less depending on availability, size and location.
Think of them as a cross between a storage locker and a moving truck. They're handy if at least one of the following applies:
- You need to get things out of your home but don't have access to your new place yet.
- You're downsizing and need to put some of your belongings into long-term storage.
- You have sufficient space for parking in both locations.
Portable storage might be less useful if you live in a city. They're harder to maneuver on city streets, and you probably won't be able to keep them there long-term.
DIY Moving
DIY moving saves you the most money, but it's also the most labor-intensive. You'll need to rent your own truck and handle the packing, loading, unloading, and even driving yourself.
6. Request A Change Of Address Form
If you move to a different town or neighborhood, your new address can likely change your car insurance costs and voter registration. Additionally, moving out of state will probably impact your taxes and any other federal benefits you may get.
Aside from that you'll want to ensure your mail reaches the correct address. Your first step is to change your address with the U.S. Postal Service. You'll also need to individually notify the people who regularly send you mail, including:
- Credit card issuers
- Banks and financial services companies
- Your employer
- Your state registry of motor vehicles
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Make a list of everyone you'll need to notify, then go through the list as you have time.
7. Request Time Off For The Move-Out Day
Even if you were able to take some things to your new place in advance, moving will usually take all day, so you'll want to be sure you have it free. You'll need to:
- Pack up everything remaining, including furniture and other items that could fit in boxes.
- Take out all trash and leave the old place reasonably clean.
- Unload everything at your new home.
- Unpack enough to sleep comfortably that night and start the next day.
Once the last box is in your new place, it's finally time to get settled. If you've moved long-distance, you'll also be making new friends and getting to know your new community. It takes time, but feeling at home is worth it.
Should I Get Renters Insurance?
Let's say all your clothes were ruined and furniture warped by storm damage. Or someone breaks in and steals your laptop, flatscreen, and smart home devices. If you haven't got the extra cash lying around to replace these things, renters insurance is cheap and probably a good idea.
Renters insurance works like most other insurance policies. You pay a monthly premium, and if a covered event happens, the insurance company sends you a payout according to the policy's terms. Covered events include:
- Fire and smoke damage
- Storm damage (wind, rain, lightning, etc.)
- Explosion
- Theft
- Vandalism
Most standard policies don't cover flood or earthquake damage, but you can buy separate coverage if you live in an area prone to these events. An insurance professional can help you decide how much coverage you need and what circumstances you need to protect against.
If a covered event happens, your policy reimburses you for three types of costs:
- Additional living expenses: Coverage for temporary living expenses like food and housing if your home needs repairs due to a covered event and you have to move out during those repairs
- Liability: Protection against lawsuits for damage you, your family members, or your pets cause to other people or their property
- Personal possessions: Reimbursement for the replacement of the items you own, up to your policy's maximum, in case of a covered event
Insurance companies calculate reimbursement amounts in one of two ways. They are:
- Cash value: The current worth of your belongings, accounting for depreciation, up to your policy's limit
- Replacement cost: The actual cost to replace your items in the current market
According to the Insurance Information Institute, premiums for replacement-cost coverage are about 10% higher than the price of cash-value coverage. However, that cost difference can pay for itself if something happens.
For example, if you bought a basic-level MacBook Pro laptop in 2016, you probably paid $1,500 or more. The cash value today — what you can get if you sell it — is between $175 and $339. That's what a cash value policy would pay you.
However, if you were to replace the laptop — buy the same model from the same source — you'd pay somewhere between $391 and $613, according to the source that estimated its cash value. That's a difference of up to $438.
The payout differential is even more significant when you realize the average renters insurance premium is just $18 a month.
Is Renters Insurance Required?
The law doesn't require tenants to have renters insurance. However, a landlord might require it as part of your lease.
Some landlords require insurance to protect themselves from lawsuits. For example, if you have coverage for your belongings, you might be less likely to sue the landlord if something happens and you need to replace something expensive.
Say you move into your new place, and a month later, faulty electrical wiring sparks a fire. It damages your new furniture and the laptop you need to work from home.
The fire could be due to poor maintenance, which means you might be able to sue your landlord for the damaged goods. However, filing a claim with your insurance company is easier and more reliable. You get your money without the time, hassle, and uncertainty of court proceedings. Additionally, your landlord doesn't have to pay court costs or potential damages.
Renters insurance also lowers the risk that you'll move out if a disaster happens. For example, if your apartment floods and you must vacate while repairs happen, your renters insurance will pay those temporary housing costs. With that financial backup, finding a new place to live is less stressful.
These benefits exist even if your landlord doesn't require renters insurance, but the primary use is protection for your belongings. Without renters insurance, you pay out of pocket for anything you need to replace.
Compare Rental Insurance Quotes For Your New Home
One item on your apartment move-in checklist should be finding the best renters insurance company. Look at what companies are available in your state. Consider:
- Monthly premiums
- Coverage options
- How much insurance you need
Sign the agreement before you move in, and your checklist for moving is complete!.
